That’s right. I had plans to print this image in such a way that the colored hues would change depending on how you looked at the picture.

And my plan was to enter this photograph as part of my “competition season,” including showing it at the New York State Fair’s photo competition.

The problem is…

well…

The New York State Fair’s photo competition requires that all images be considered “family-friendly.” And even though this car is considered a symbol of tolerance and acceptance in the face of homophobia and bigotry…

There are people who will possibly find the word “fagbug” – or, more particularly, the first syllable in that word – offensive.

And if I’m going to enter this photo in competition… I’d better make sure that this multi-colored punch-buggy doesn’t get cut down.

So earlier this week, I sent a message to the organizer of the NYS Fair’s photo competition. I explained what the picture contained, and whether it would be acceptable for me to enter the photo into the show.

The response I received:

“… I’m certain that the Fair admin would not allow this to be hung. There’s a family atmosphere that they are very protective of and would most likely consider it to be creative but easily misunderstood by the younger viewers. Feel free to submit if you’d like to. But your hesitation is valid.”

Okay. That explains a lot.

There are words out there that can hurt, that can anger, that can offend. Words that usually begin with N or K or the like. And I’m not going to reprint the picture and digitally remove the “fagbug” wording from the chassis. That would be dishonest and detrimental.

So even though the photo is being printed and will hang in some competition or in some show…

I’m reluctantly taking it out of the New York State Fair competition pile.

But now the question bugs me… am I withdrawing the picture for the right reasons, or am I kowtowing to self-censorship? Did I do the right thing, or am I doing the wrong thing by removing the picture from competition?

5 Responses

Not that it’s AT ALL the same, but that guy who has the food truck with the Italian slur doesn’t think it’s offensive. And maybe it’s not, to him, but it is to others.

Or seeing certain excerpts of 12 Years A Slave – out of context – wont show up in the ads, even though in the context of the film, it’s totally justifiable.

Just musing here, but yes, some unknowing people would probably be offended by your picture. Some might complain that its homophobic (!) and others that it was, – what’s that phrase? – “Endorsing a homosexual lifestyle.” Probably not worth their time or effort. A museum or art gallery would probably embrace it, though.

I agree with Roger, it’s probably not worth the time or effort. If you try to submit it to the NYS fair and it doesn’t get hung, what have you proven? You were wise to seek their opinion before going to the trouble of submitting and being rejected.